JOB SUMMARY

Monitors patients remotely via video monitor or at the bedside to ensure patient safety while under observation. Provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. First line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and institutional confidentiality and related hospital policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission of Swedish Covenant Hospital and demonstrates a service orientation and adheres to all responsibilities and standards of the Hospital.

1. Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the video monitoring software.

2. Maintains visual observation of patient at all times, either monitoring at the bedside within an arm’s length of assigned patient or using video monitors in the virtual patient observation unit.

3. Verbally redirects patients at the bedside or over digital two-way audio device that is in patient room. Patient Safety Observer immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance or to alert to an emergency situation.

4. Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate observation to the patient population requiring observation.

5. Participates in report with on-coming Patient Safety Observer when arriving for shift, and upon completion of shift. Reviews pertinent information and behaviors.

6. Does not provide any nursing care duties (e.g. vital signs, toileting, ambulation, acuity of daily living), unless they are oriented and authorized to direct patient care.

7. Provides patient with explanations as necessary but does not counsel or provide opinions.

8. Provides floor staff with information in a timely fashion when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment safety. Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to appropriate staff members.

9. Demonstrates safe work practice and attitude, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.

10. Maintains patient dignity and privacy.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.